Here are the Top 50 hikes in Arizona for you to enjoy. There is so much to offer in the state from pine trees to deserts. Sure most people will immediately think of the Grand Canyon. However, without even leaving the Phoenix metro area we have over 60 miles of trails in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale not to mention Piestawa Peak #3, Camelback Mountain and South Mountain Park #2 with awesome views of downtown and the Valley of the Sun. But there is so much more…Read on! (Photo: West Fork Trail, Sedonal…more on this hike to follow)
See the links to these awesome 50 best hikes in Arizona! Next week is Thanksgiving and you will probably soon be feeling like working off a few pounds and seeing some great Arizona sights and sites?
View of downtown Phoenix from the top of Camelback Mountain
Included are some of the favorites like hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix near Scottsdale and Paradise Valley is always great, with views of the downtown Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. Hiking Piestawa Peak also has great views of the Phoenix metro and homes everywhere. What are the top 50 best hiking trails in Arizona as voted by hikers? A very personal choice. I like the nature factor of a trail over the physical challenge of the trail personally. That is why, I like the West Fork Trail in Sedona feeding the Oak Creek, serenity and a babbling brook with dense Oak trees, red rocks and interesting rock formations along with a winding easy trail….aaahhh, nice!
A touch of heaven on the West Fork Trail in Sedona and Oak Creek, Not on this Top 50 list, but It should be. Very beautiful, 6.5 mile out and back, fairly flat with trees and criss crosses of the Oak Creek. My personal favorite.
TripleBlaze.com ranked the best places to hike in Arizona. Ranking hiking trails on their following list is a difficult process as some hikers choose beauty over challenge, or short distances over longer distances. TripleBlaze says, “Using our unique hiking trail popularity algorithm that accounts for the average rating and number of reviews for a trail, the number of people who have hiked or wish they could hike at that hiking trail.” TripleBlaze uses user ratings for their list.
Whatever your choice, get out there and explore Arizona!
50 Best Arizona Hikes
Rank Hiking Trail Location
- Grand Canyon – North Rim Fredonia, Arizona
- McDowell Mountain Park Phoenix, Arizona
- Piestewa Peak Phoenix, Arizona
- #305 Prescott, Arizona
- Horseshoe Mesa Grand Canyon, Arizona
- National Trail Phoenix, Arizona
- Spur Cross Ranch Cave Creek, Arizona
- Papago Park Area Tempe, Arizona
- White Canyon Trail Phoenix, Arizona
- Huachuca Canyon Ft. Huachuca, Arizona
- Cloudview Gold Canyon, Arizona
- Arizona Trail Flagstaff, Arizona
- Broken Arrow Sedona, Arizona
- Chicken Point Oak Creek, Arizona
- Groom Creek Loop Prescott, Arizona
- Trail #100 Phoenix, Arizona
- Walnut Canyon Flagstaff, Arizona
- Ridge Trail Sedona, Arizona
- Brittlebush Trail Phoenix, Arizona
- Black Canyon Trail Phoenix, Arizona
- Hawes Loop Mesa, Arizona
- Desert Classic Phoenix, Arizona
- Cactus Forest Trail Tucson, Arizona
- Coachwhip Trail Loop Scottsdale, Arizona
- Airport Mesa Trail Network Sedona, Arizona
- Llama Sedona, Arizona
- Robles Pass Tucson, Arizona
- Foothills Rim Trail Kingman, Arizona
- Picket Post Superior, Arizona
- Lost Dutchman State Park Apache Junction, Arizona
- Desert Outdoor Center Peoria, Arizona
- Honeybee Canyon/Rail X Ranch Oro Valley, Arizona
- Brown Canyon Sierra Vista, Arizona
- Oldham Trail Flagstaff, Arizona
- Templeton/ Baldwin Loop Sedona, Arizona
- Smith Ravine Prescott, Arizona
- Granite Basin Loops Prescott, Arizona
- Estrella Mtn Park/ Competitive Loop Phoenix, Arizona
- Spruce Mountain Trail #307 Prescott, Arizona
- Casa Grande Mountain Casa Grande, Arizona
- Parker Canyon Lake Perimeter (pclp) Sierra Vista, Arizona
- Fairbank Loop Trail Tombstone, Arizona
- Canyon de Chelly National Monument Chinle, Arizona
- Petrified Forest National Park Petrified Forest, Arizona
- Tonto National Monument Roosevelt, Arizona
- Cattail Cove State Park Lake Havasu City, Arizona
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park Cottonwood, Arizona
- Slide Rock State Park Sedona, Arizona
- Patagonia Lake State Park Patagonia, Arizona
- Badger Springs Trail Badger Springs, Arizona
Grand Canyon
(Photo: Grand Canyon, Pixabay) Of course you cannot go wrong with the Grand Canyon, unfortunately the 100 year old lodge on the North Rim burned in 2025, but the more frequently visited South Rim still stands. The Bright Angel Trail still takes you 10 miles down to the Colorado River or hike along the Rim.
The Petrified Forest Hike #44 has awesome scenery
When hiking in Phoenix in the Summer, be sure to bring more water than you think you need. Hydrate regularly and seek shade if you feel light headed. I had that experience on Piestawa Peak in Phoenix about 20 years ago. Shade and water brought me back, but it can be dangerous. Piestawa Peak is well traveled so there are people to help. However, hike with a friend to be safe.
When you get to the top of Camelback Mountain or Piestawa Peak look around at the Valley homes. If you see one from the top of the mountain that you like I would be pleased to show it to you.
If you are looking to move to Phoenix including Scottsdale or to buy a home in Arizona or sell a home in Arizona, contact Jeffrey Masich, Associate Broker and Realtor. I would be pleased to help you and look out for your best interests while finding you the right home at the right price!
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